By Fernando Davis

Officials at the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA) are still mourning the passing of former Chairman Tyrone Robinson who they say has left an indelible mark on the organization.

They note that while it has been nearly four months since he passed away in a Miami, Florida hospital “after a valiant fight” with COVID-19, his knack for getting things done, especially in getting the private sector involved in infrastructural work throughout the region, “is now being felt in a big way.”

“He was a board chairman extraordinaire. He didn’t just talk the talk, he walked the walk. He had a passion for the health sector, especially the facilities in NEHRA, more so St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital,” NERHA’s Regional Director Fabia Lamm explained.

“As chairman, he was in charge of a region that comprises St. Ann, St. Mary and Portland. This includes: four general hospitals, two community hospitals and 70 health centres, with a staff complement of approximately 3,000. We remain stunned by this huge loss and are still trying to come to grips with the reality of what has happened.”

For others, Robinson’s achievements, including the expansion of the operating theatres at the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital, the improvement and expansion of the fleet of vehicles across the region as well as the digitization of the radiography services at the St. Ann’s Bay and Port Antonio hospitals will be “difficult” to emulate.

“Tyrone has left behind a rich legacy of success,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital Delroy Morgan added. “From his partnership with numerous charities and private sector interests in raising funds for the hospital, he has done so much where we all will be forever grateful.”

Robinson was born on April 14, 1962, to Patrick Robinson and Belverene Ballysingh in the garden parish of St. Ann.

He made many great achievements during his 58 years of life as a pilot, businessman, farmer, and campaign manager, most notably for the late Minister of Labour and Social Security, Shahine Robinson.

As a loved and respected personality throughout the business and health sector in St. Ann, especially since becoming NERHA chairman in 2016, Robinson has also been credited for improving the infrastructure and aesthetics of health facilities, drawing on the support of both private and public sector organisations.

“This also included the digital upgrading of the Annotto Bay Hospitals, St. Mary as well as the implementation of customer service departments at all hospitals in the region,” Lamm added.

Described as a person who was compassionate in everything that he has done, Robinson, who died on January 1, is survived by his children, Tyrone Robinson, Jr and Toni Robinson; his grandchild, Tomas Robinson; his mother, Belverene Ballysingh; his sisters: Theresa Robinson, Monique Robinson, Marissa LaFleur, Jacqueline Rahming, and Kimberley Robinson; his brothers: Patrick Robinson II, Andrew Robinson, and Vondenton Robinson; numerous family and friends.

“He was a visionary leader who brought his expertise to public health, especially to the northeastern side of the island,” is how Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton described Robinson’s tenure as head of NERHA.

“He was steadfast about improving the infrastructure and aesthetics of health facilities, drawing on the support of private and public sector organizations to do so.” 

For his part, Ocho Rios businessman and friend Sanju Chatani said he is still devastated by the untimely passing of the NERHA chairman. “I am still in shock…very saddened…just very, very sad,” he noted.